Top 5 Water Damage Questions Answered

Water can do some pretty nasty things when it gets inside a home or building, and it’s not something that can be ignored. The aftermath of water damage can be devastating if it isn’t quickly and properly addressed. You may be wondering what to do or what to expect if your home or business falls victim to water damage. Below are answers to five of the most important water damage questions you need to ask:

What are the main causes of water damage?

There are many causes of water damage, some being preventable, and others unavoidable. Natural phenomenon like floods, heavy rains, and hurricanes are uncontrollable disasters that can result in water damage to your structure. Maintenance issues such as a leaky roof, burst pipe, septic tank backup, appliance malfunction, or cracked foundation can also lead to water damage.

Will Homeowners Insurance cover the damage?

Most homeowners insurance plans cover water damage that is sudden and accidental; however, floods of any kind and water damage caused by neglected maintenance issues are not typically covered. Sewage damage coverage is one addition you can make to your standard policy, otherwise, you’ll likely have to foot the bill for any damage done to your home by water if you don’t have flood insurance. Revisit your policy to determine what is and is not covered. Flood insurance can be purchased through the National Flood Insurance Program, and may be a necessity depending on where you live.

What should I do if I have water damage in my home?

Take immediate action. The longer you wait to deal with the problem, the more damage your home or business will incur. Rotted wood and mold are just two of the many consequences of waiting too long to address the problem. Contact a professional water damage restoration team that will know exactly how to safely and effectively clean up the affected areas and restore the structure. You should also contact your insurance carrier and begin the claim process. Stay away from floodwater, and if your home or business has suffered structural damage, you should consider temporary evacuation.

What are the dangers associated with water damage?

The potential dangers associated with water damage are many. In addition to quickly causing structural and property damage, the water itself can be toxic whether it came from an outside source or a sewage backup. The contaminants and bacteria in the water can cause serious illnesses for those who come in contact with it or with the materials that the water has soaked into.
Additionally, if the water isn’t drained in a 24-48 hour period, mold growth can begin and can spread rapidly throughout the structure to areas that are not even wet. Mold spores travel through the air and multiply quickly, and those breathing the air become at risk for respiratory infections, nausea, fatigue, and even life-threatening health conditions.

Who can restore my home after water damage?

Unless you are a trained professional with proper equipment, you should not attempt to perform water damage cleanup on your own. Attempting a DIY water cleanup will likely result in additional costs that could have been avoided. Hiring a professional, highly-trained flood damage restoration team is the safest, most effective option for cleaning up the dangerous and potentially toxic mess left behind by excess water. At ServiceMaster of Greater Pittsburgh, our water damage restoration technicians use proven techniques and state-of-the-art equipment to remove water, dry the area, extract materials that cannot be salvaged, and return your home or business to its original condition. We are available 24/7 to begin working on a water damage situation. If your home or business has water damage, don’t wait to address it. Call ServiceMaster of Greater Pittsburgh at 412-826-1010.